Much has happened at Auburn Adventist Academy (Auburn, Wash.) since fire destroyed Nelson Hall, the former girls' dormitory, on Nov. 17. The old dorm has come down. Plans for the new one are being put into effect, and despite all the losses new memories are being made. There have been tears and smiles, sorrow and rejoicing, grief and laughter, but through it all we have felt the warmth of God’s hand and the support of our extended family.
The girls successfully settled into their half of what was the boys-only Witzel Hall. Following an extended Thanksgiving break, most were unpacking recently purchased or donated clothing and admiring their cozy beds (made up for them before they arrived). Though the rooms are a bit smaller and some girls are adjusting to a new roommate or two, the building is safe and there is an air of camaraderie and perhaps excitement knowing that boys are just past that locked door.
Witzel Hall, currently the only inhabitable dormitory on campus, underwent some dramatic remodeling and refurbishing in preparation for its new residents. The former chapel area is now the girls’ primary lobby. The original boys' lobby is now used exclusively by the gentlemen and is closed off from the south side of the dorm. Nelson Hall is completely gone, save the detached Evergreen Chapel, which escaped the inferno.
The resourceful staff, responsive community and reputable students are contributing to the smooth transition forced so abruptly on the academy. With God's help we have begun to rebuild our campus and our school. With the support of our extended church family, we have restored all that we can to those that have suffered loss.
And in conquering this seemingly great difficulty, we have reinforced the mission of this school and revitalized the spirit of family that has so often been felt on this campus. May God continue to protect, guide and bless us all as He has done so clearly at Auburn Adventist Academy.
The Auburn dorm burned for days following the initial blaze.
Workers assess the destoyed and then dangerous dorm. Almost nothing was recovered.
Salvaged photo albums are given to Tricia Kimbrough, a former Nelson Hall resident .
Sophomore Erica Pleier looks through donated clothes.
